This photo taken on April 2, 2026 shows the restoration site of the laterite wall of the Angkor Thom in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. An archaeological team has been restoring the laterite wall of the centuries-old Angkor Thom in the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Cambodia's Siem Reap province, said a news release from the APSARA National Authority (ANA) on Monday. (ANA/Handout via Xinhua)
PHNOM PENH, April 27 (Xinhua) -- An archaeological team has been restoring the laterite wall of the centuries-old Angkor Thom in the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Cambodia's Siem Reap province, said a news release from the APSARA National Authority (ANA) on Monday.
Mao Sokny, a technical officer of the ANA's Department of Conservation of Monuments and Preventive Archaeology, said the work is underway at a 15-meter section of the laterite wall on the southwest side of Angkor Thom, near the Tonle Om Gate, which had deteriorated for a long time.
Built in the late 12th century under the reign of Jayavarman VII, Angkor Thom was the grand capital of the Khmer Empire, the news release said, adding that its enclosure wall extends about three kilometers on each side, stands approximately eight meters high, and is surrounded by a moat. The ancient city is accessed through five monumental gates.
"The wall has been damaged due to age and natural factors," he said. "This has created structural risks, including cracks, separation of laterite blocks, and falling stones."
Sokny said the western wing of the gate has also been affected, as the roof has disappeared, and only a few elements remain, such as statues and stone pillars.
He added that the staircase is severely damaged by water erosion, causing the inner walls to crack, while traces of the original stairs have largely disappeared.
"Some sandstone blocks have also fallen from their original positions. These issues require urgent restoration," he said.
He said the restoration began in early April 2026 and is expected to take approximately six months.
Sokny said the restoration work will follow proper conservation techniques, as cracked sections will be reinforced to prevent water infiltration, and damaged wall layers will be dismantled and rebuilt step by step. ■
This photo taken on April 2, 2026 shows staff members working at the restoration site of the laterite wall of the Angkor Thom in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. An archaeological team has been restoring the laterite wall of the centuries-old Angkor Thom in the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Cambodia's Siem Reap province, said a news release from the APSARA National Authority (ANA) on Monday. (ANA/Handout via Xinhua)
This photo taken on April 27, 2026 shows a staff member working at the restoration site of the laterite wall of the Angkor Thom in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. An archaeological team has been restoring the laterite wall of the centuries-old Angkor Thom in the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Cambodia's Siem Reap province, said a news release from the APSARA National Authority (ANA) on Monday. (ANA/Handout via Xinhua)
This photo taken on April 2, 2026 shows staff members working at the restoration site of the laterite wall of the Angkor Thom in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. An archaeological team has been restoring the laterite wall of the centuries-old Angkor Thom in the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Cambodia's Siem Reap province, said a news release from the APSARA National Authority (ANA) on Monday. (ANA/Handout via Xinhua)
This photo taken on April 27, 2026 shows the restoration site of the laterite wall of the Angkor Thom in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. An archaeological team has been restoring the laterite wall of the centuries-old Angkor Thom in the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Cambodia's Siem Reap province, said a news release from the APSARA National Authority (ANA) on Monday. (ANA/Handout via Xinhua)
